GGYC seeks speedy decision on next America’s Cup date

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- GGYC letter to Justice Cahn, dated 26 March 2008

[Source: BMW Oracle] The Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) confirmed today that it has asked the New York State Supreme Court for a speedy ruling on the date for the next America’s Cup.

“We really need a clear ruling so we can all move forward,” Tom Ehman, the club’s spokesman said.

“Both teams have known the rules from day one. We have both had the same time to prepare. It is time for the defender to stop making excuses and race.”

Contrary to recent claims by the defender about not being able to get ready, Ernesto Bertarelli, the Alinghi syndicate head, had confirmed to the media in December that Alinghi was already preparing for a multihull race to be held in July 2008 when they would compete “on beautiful monsters.” Ehman said that the GGYC had also only shifted its focus predominantly to a multihull program in December, after the defender had rejected a compromise proposal that would have allowed a conventional event to go ahead.

Ehman said further recent attempts by the defender to imply there had been a separate agreement reached between the parties to “toll” or postpone the event until July 2009 is simply not true.

In July 2007 the American club challenged for July 2008 giving more than the 10 months notice specified by the America’s Cup Deed of Gift. After the court’s November decision, GGYC specified dates in October 2008, giving SNG effectively another 10 months notice.

On Wednesday the defender confirmed it had decided to go back to court on the issue of timing.